Bike rack

ABSTRACT

A bike rack having a plurality of bike supports arranged symmetrically about a vertical axis. The bike supports include an upper portion with a V-shaped cross-section. A valance is disposed over each of the plurality of bike supports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bike racks are used for temporarily storing bikes when the bikes are notin use.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention includes a bike rack having aplurality of bike supports arranged symmetrically about a vertical axis.The bike supports include a channel with a V-shaped cross-section. Avalance is disposed over each of the plurality of bike supports.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a bike support havingfirst and second support members disposed in a substantially verticalorientation. The first and second support members include a baseabutment. A channel is disposed between the first and second supportmembers. The channel includes a V-shaped cross-section.

Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a method of makinga bike rack, including forming a bike support with a V-shaped channel. Avalance is extended over the bike support. A lower portion of the bikerack is formed with a base abutment adapted to engage a rear bike tire.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a bike rack of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the bike rack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear top perspective view of one embodiment of a V-shapedchannel of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front top perspective view of the V-shaped channel of FIG.3;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the V-shaped channel of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the V-shaped channel of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the V-shaped channel of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a base abutmentportion of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the base abutment portion of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the base abutment portion of FIG.8;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the base abutment portion of FIG.8;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a valance of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the valance of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the valance of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the valance of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a top rear perspective exploded view of one embodiment of abike support of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a top rear perspective view of the bike support of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a top front perspective view of the bike support of FIG. 17with the valance removed and with a bike resting on the bike support;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of multiple bike racks arranged in avertical orientation and adjacent to one another;

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the bike rack, including aplurality of bike supports arranged concentrically and symmetrically;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the bike rack of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a fastening mechanism that aligns and supports the bikesupports in a concentric symmetrical relationship;

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the fastening mechanism of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a top perspective exploded view of a portion of the fasteningmechanism of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a bike rack,also serving as a tree cage;

FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of a support column;

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a top plate;

FIG. 28 is a top perspective view of the top plate of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a top rear exploded perspective view of two adjoining bikesupports;

FIG. 30 is a partial bottom perspective view of an upper portion of abike rack;

FIG. 31 is a bottom perspective view of two bike supports with staggeredheights connected to a support column;

FIG. 32 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a valance arrangement;

FIG. 33 is a top plan view of another valance arrangement;

FIG. 34 is a top plan view of another valance arrangement;

FIG. 35 is a top plan view of another valance arrangement;

FIG. 36 is a top plan view of another valance arrangement; and

FIG. 37 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a fully assembledbike rack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, itis to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

Referring to FIG. 1, the reference numeral 10 generally designates abike rack having a plurality of bike supports 12 arranged symmetricallyabout a vertical axis 14. The bike supports 12 include a V-shapedchannel 16. A valance 18 is disposed over each of the plurality of bikesupports 12.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the illustrated embodiment includes eightarcuate bike supports 12 spaced equidistantly about the central verticalaxis 14 designed to support a bike 19 with a front tire 21 and a reartire 23. It is contemplated that any number of bike supports 12 could bearranged in any symmetrical or non-symmetrical pattern to form the bikerack 10. For example, the bike supports 12 can be arranged linearly,curvilinearly, polygonally, etc. The bike supports 12 include a lowerend 20 having a base abutment 22 and an upper end 25 connected to thevalance 18. Each bike support 12 includes first and second elongate andarcuately-shaped support members 24, 26 (FIG. 2). The V-shaped channel16 extends between the first and second support members 24, 26 with avertex 32 (FIG. 16) of the V-shaped channel 16 extending away from thefirst and second support members 24, 26. The V-shaped channel 16includes a plurality of notches 34 (FIG. 3) extending laterally andequally spaced longitudinally along the V-shaped channel 16. TheV-shaped channel 16 extends downward to the base abutment 22. In theillustrated embodiment, the V-shaped channel 16 does not extend to thevalance 18, but rather terminates approximately two-thirds of the way upthe first and second support members 24, 26. Each bike support 12includes a lock bar 40 that extends from one of the first and secondsupport members 24, 26.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-7, the V-shaped channel 16 has an arcuatedesign that closely follows the arcuate shape of the first and secondsupport members 24, 26. A top end 50 and bottom end 52 of the V-shapedchannel 16 include tabs 54 designed to secure the V-shaped channel 16 tothe first and second support members 24, 26. It is conceived that anynumber of notches 34 may be disposed in the V-shaped channel 16. It isalso conceived that no notches 34 may be placed in the V-shaped channel16. The V-shaped channel 16 also includes first and second side flanges56, 58 that extend laterally away from the V-shaped channel 16. The sideflanges 56, 58 abut the first and second support members 24, 26. TheV-shaped channel 16 includes first and second tire abutment members 60,62 angled approximately 60 degrees relative to one another. It isconceived that the angle may vary between 45 degrees and 75 degrees. Theangle of the abutment members 60, 62 is an ideal angle for holding tires21, 23 of the bike 19. The top end 50 and the bottom end 52 of theV-shaped channel 16 are designed to contact and laterally support thefront tire 21 and rear tire 23 of the bike 19.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-11, the base abutment 22 includes a bike rest70 that operably connects the bike support 12 with the base abutment 22.Each base abutment 22 also includes an upwardly extending tire prop 72having a triangular cross-section. The tire prop 72 includes a heightsufficient to maintain the bike 19 in a stored position in the V-shapedchannel 16 at the desired bike angle of 60 degrees. The tire prop 72 isdesigned to abut the rear tire 23 of the bike 19 and assist a user inmaintaining a vertical orientation on the bike 19 as the bike 19 ispositioned on the bike support 12. In one embodiment, it is contemplatedthat the bike support 12 will maintain the bike 19 in approximately a 60degree angle to the ground. However, it is contemplated that the angleof the bike 19 position relative to the ground could vary from 45degrees to 75 degrees.

Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12-15, each valance18 has an arcuate shape with a forward engagement tab 80. The valance 18includes first and second arcuate members 82, 84 with a roof web 86disposed therebetween. The roof web 86 includes a plurality ofconnection joints 88 that connect the roof web 86 to the first andsecond arcuate members 82, 84. The valance 18 includes a proximate end90 and a distal end 92. The width of the proximate end 90 is smallerthan the width of the distal end 92. The engagement tab 80 is connectedwith the proximate end 90. It is conceived that the valance 18 could beconnected to the bike rack 10 in any of a number of ways, and that theroof web 86 could include different constructions that allow connectionof the roof web 86 to the first and second arcuate members 82, 84 indifferent manners. In the illustrated embodiment, the roof web 86 isconstructed from sheet metal. However, it is contemplated that the roofweb 86 may also be constructed from plastic or fabric.

Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, the bike support12 is assembled by connecting the first and second support members 24,26 with the base abutment 22. The V-shaped channel 16 is connectedbetween the first and second support members 24, 26 by locating the tabs54 of the V-shaped channel in slots 100 disposed in the support members24, 26. Mechanical fasteners are secured at the upper end 25 of thefirst and second support members 24, 26, through a horizontal bar 104and into first and second vertical spacers 106, 108, which attach to ahorizontal spreader 110 fixedly attached to each of the arcuate members82, 84 of the valance 18. In another embodiment, the spacers 106, 108are eliminated to lower the height of the valance 18, as will bediscussed in further detail below. The roof web 86 is generally securedbetween the first and second arcuate members 82, 84 prior to the valance18 being installed on the bike support 12, however, it is contemplatedthat the roof web 86 could be installed after the first and secondarcuate members 82, 84 are secured to the first and second supportmembers 24, 26.

Referring now to FIGS. 17-19, the fully assembled bike support 12extends in a vertical direction and may include a bracket 119 (FIG. 22)adapted to secure the bike support 12 to a support column 132, a wall,another bike support 12, etc. To insert the bike 19 into the bikesupport 12, a user lifts the front tire 21 of the bike 19 and places thefront tire 21 of the bike 19 in abutting engagement with the V-shapedchannel 16, while at the same time, placing the rear wheel 23 againstthe base abutment 22. The bike supports 12 may be spaced a predetermineddistance apart adjacent to and supported on a vertical planar support,such as a wall. As shown in FIG. 20, the bike supports 12 are securedagainst the vertical wall by a bracket 119. In addition, the bikesupports 12 are connected to the ground by mechanical fasteners that aresecured through the base abutment 22 into the ground.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-25, the bike supports 12 are designed forarrangement in a concentric symmetrical pattern. The bike supports 12may be welded at adjacent support members 24, 26, or may be secured toone another by a bracket system 122 made of adjoining brackets 119.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 29, the bike rack 10 may serve as a treecage 124 which cannot protect trees, and at the same time provide anaesthetic and pleasing bike rack 10 available to store bikes 19.

Referring now to FIGS. 26-28, a top plate 130 is designed for connectionwith the support column 132. The support column 132 includes a baseplate 133 that provides stability to the support column 132. The topplate 130 includes a plurality of extensions 134, each of which isdesigned to engage with the engagement tab 80 on the valance 18. It isconceived that any number of extensions 134 may be disposed about thetop plate 130, and in the illustrated embodiment, there are eightextensions 134. As shown in FIG. 27, the valance 18 is connected to thetop plate 134, which is in turn connected with the support column 132.The valance 18 is also connected with the top of a single bike support12, as discussed in detail above.

Referring to FIGS. 29-31, the first and second support members 24, 26are connected at a top end by the horizontal bar 104. The horizontal bar104 is connected to the horizontal spreader 110, which extends across amidpoint of the valance 18 and which connects to the first and secondarcuate members 82, 84 of the valance 18. Mechanical fasteners are alsoused to secure the engagement tab 80 of the valance to one of theextensions 134 of the top plate 130.

Referring again to FIGS. 29-31, the bike support 12 may include valances18 positioned at staggered heights. To provide valances 18 at variousheights, the vertical spacers 106, 108 are applied between thehorizontal bar 104 and the horizontal spreader 110 disposed between thefirst and second support members 24, 26. Two spacers 140 are alsoapplied between the engagement tab 80 and the top plate 130 disposed onthe support column 132. To provide offset valances 18, the spacers 106,108, 140 are used in every other bike support 12 to heighten every othervalance 18.

Referring to FIGS. 32-36, it is contemplated that the valance 18structure can include any number of arrangements, including a full 360degree roof structure 150 (FIG. 32), a 270 degree roof structure 152(FIG. 33), a 180 degree roof structure 154 (FIG. 34), a 90 degree roofstructure 156 (FIG. 35), or even a 45 degree roof structure 158 for asingle bike support 12 (FIG. 36).

Referring now to FIG. 37, the completed assembly provides an aestheticappearance and efficient storage space for bikes 19. It is contemplatedthat the roof structure and the bike supports 12 may have varyingdesigns, however, it is also contemplated that when the roof structureis a 360 degree roof structure, the bike rack 10 is a stand-alone item.It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

1. A bike rack comprising: a plurality of bike supports arrangedsymmetrically about a central vertical axis, wherein the bike supportsinclude a channel with a V-shaped cross-section; and a valance disposedover each of the plurality of bike supports.
 2. The bike rack of claim1, wherein each of the plurality of bike supports includes a baseabutment.
 3. The bike rack of claim 1, wherein the bike support includesa plurality of notches disposed in the V-shaped channel thereof.
 4. Thebike rack of claim 1, wherein the V-shaped channel is connected with afirst support member and a second support member.
 5. The bike rack ofclaim 1, further comprising: a lock bar fixedly attached to the bikesupport.
 6. The bike rack of claim 1, further comprising: a supportcolumn disposed proximate the vertical axis.
 7. The bike rack of claim1, wherein adjacent valances that are disposed on the plurality of bikesupports are connected at different heights.
 8. A bike support,comprising: first and second support members disposed in a substantiallyvertical orientation, the first and second support members including abase abutment; and a channel disposed between the first and secondsupport members, the channel including a V-shaped cross-section.
 9. Thebike support of claim 8, further comprising: a lock bar extending fromone of the first and second support members.
 10. The bike support ofclaim 8, wherein the channel includes a plurality of notches extendingtherethrough.
 11. The bike support of claim 8, wherein the web includesfirst and second tire abutment members disposed at an angle between 50degrees and 65 degrees.
 12. The bike support of claim 8, furthercomprising: a center column operably connected to the bike support. 13.The bike support of claim 8, further comprising: a valance operablyconnected with and extending over the bike support.
 14. The bike supportof claim 8, further comprising: a connecting bracket adapted to securethe bike support in a substantially vertical orientation.
 15. A methodof making a bike rack, the method comprising: forming a bike supportwith a V-shaped channel; extending a valance over the bike support; andforming a lower portion of the bike rack with a base abutment adapted toengage a rear bike tire.
 16. The method of claim 15, the method furthercomprising: extending a tire prop from the base abutment.
 17. The methodof claim 16, the method further comprising: connecting multiple bikesupports in a polygonal orientation.
 18. The method of claim 17, themethod further comprising: placing adjacent valances at differentheights.
 19. The method of claim 18, the method further comprising:connecting the multiple bike supports to a single support column. 20.The method of claim 17, wherein the method of connecting multiple bikesupports further comprises: connecting the multiple bike supports aroundone of a tree and a pole.